(NewMediaWire) – October 04, 2021 – DALLAS – The American Heart Association, the leading global public health organization devoted to a world of longer healthier lives for all, announced today a new maternal health section of its Support Network made possible by a significant gift from Los Angeles based music executive and 2021 Go Red for Women® Class of Real Women class lead, Jaime Zeluck Hindlin.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S. and can negatively affect heart health during pregnancy and later in life. Between 1987 and 2015, pregnancy-related deaths rose from 7.2 per 100,000 live births to 17.2 per 100,000 live births.[1] As a result of the alarming rates, the American Heart Association and other leading health organizations are working with expectant parents, their health care teams and communities to address this urgent issue.
Hindlin was inspired to make this gift after her pregnancy resulted in heart failure that was almost diagnosed too late. “If I can get involved in making people more aware of maternal health, then I can hopefully change not one, but many people’s lives,” said Hindlin, who had an uncommon form of heart failure called peripartum cardiomyopathy that typically starts in the final month of pregnancy or up to five months after giving birth.
The Association’s Support Network is an online community for survivors, caregivers, family and friends. Members share experiences, offer advice, monitor progress, and celebrate achievements with others on similar journeys.
Hindlin said “this gift and this cause are the most important things in the world to me. To be able to help other women who are going through anything close to what I went through is the best gift I could give anyone.
“I did not have the resources when I went through my heart failure and if I did, it would have been a game changer for me. I just want to be able to do that for other women and continue to keep spreading awareness.”
The new Support Network Maternal Health Forum is for anyone expecting a baby, new moms and their loved ones to ask questions, get support and share their journey with others who’ve been there. It’s open to people with pregnancy-related conditions that can affect cardiovascular health, including peripartum cardiomyopathy, peripartum stroke, peripartum heart attack, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and congenital heart defects.
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About Go Red for Women®
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For 18 years, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
For media inquiries please contact:
Tim Stergiou-Allen: tim.stergiouallen@heart.org, 214.706.1173
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org